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Friday, October 12, 2012

IRELAND THRASHED AT HOME BY GERMANY

Germany humiliated the Republic of Ireland 6-1 on a disastrous night for the hosts in the World Cup Group C qualifier at the Aviva Stadium.

Borussia Dortmund winger Marco Reus scored twice in the first half to set Germany on their way.Ireland were left chasing shadows as the visitors eased to victory with further goals from Mesut Ozil (pen) and Miroslav Klose, as well as a brace by substitute Toni Kroos. Andy Keogh headed in a consolation goal in injury-time. Keogh headed in fellow sub Robbie Brady's corner for a consolation in injury-time.It was always going to be a difficult task for Giovanni Trapattoni's side against a team of Germany's calibre, but they played a significant part in their own downfall.There was no evidence of any disharmony in the German camp in this display.In truth, Ireland never tested them and were guilty of some woeful defending.A combination of retirements and injuries forced Trapattoni into a change of formation, but the new approach had little effect as the Euro 2012 woes linger and the pressure on the manager grows.The one bright spot was the late cameo by Brady, but it will not stop the critics rounding on Trapattoni.Germany were also missing several regulars, but they always had the strength in depth to cope and their mix of speed and skill was far too much for a disorganised Ireland.It had been a bright opening ten minutes by the home side, but they retreated to the edge of their box as Germany got into their stride.With Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira zipping the ball about with ease, Ireland's wide men, Simon Cox and Aiden McGeady, were forced to come inside to help out the midfield trio of Keith Andrews, Keith Fahey and James McCarthy.This only encouraged Germany's full-backs Marcel Schmelzer and Jerome Boateng to roam forward into the space.John O'Shea was fortunate to get away with not conceding a penalty after a tug on Reus, who had nicked the ball off him on the edge box.Reus was booked for diving by Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli, but he answered the boo boys within minutes by putting Germany ahead.The winger capitalised on slack marking by Ireland and fired in the opener off underside of the bar.Reus doubled the lead before the break when he finished a brilliant counter-attack move that spread across the pitch and back again.It started with Schweinsteiger at the back, went through Ozil and Boateng, before Reus took the ball in his stride and found the far corner.A few forays forward and Shane Long's introduction lifted the home crowd for a brief moment after the break.It was not to last however, as Germany restored order with ruthless efficiency before the hour.Darren O'Dea needlessly dived in on Miroslav Klose to give away a penalty and Ozil nonchalantly stroked the penalty past Westwood.O'Dea was caught out again moments later as Schweinsteiger slipped the ball into space for Klose.Westwood may have narrowed the angle but Klose is one of the most accomplished strikers at this level and he found the target from a narrow angle.Kroos got in on the act with a stunning volley after O'Shea's poor defensive header dropped to him on the edge of the box.The olés that echoed around the ground were coming for the away end for a change as the away fans revelled in their team's dominance.Kroos gave another example of his long-range shooting ability for the sixth of the night when he stepped into space and whipped the ball past Westwood at his near post.

Keogh's late, late consolation brought the crowd to its feet but it is a sombre squad that head to the Faroe Islands for Tuesday's crucial qualifier.